Resuming Bicycle Riding After An Extended Period Away From The Bike

Many people who once enjoyed bicycle riding still own a bike that is not ridden. Over time, an unused bicycle can become relegated to just another item in storage. Bicycle owners who wish to resume riding can take certain steps to ensure that their revived hobby is as enjoyable as ever.

Your initial step back into the regimen of bike riding can be as basic as pedaling down your residential street. In fact, a gradual increase in riding is often a good strategy to avoid overexertion. Your first ride is primarily to get the bike out of storage and reintroduce yourself to the experience of cycling. To maintain your enthusiasm, the physical condition of the bike should be checked before each ride and corrected if necessary.

Importance of tire pressure

Riding a bike with inadequate tire pressure is like pedaling against the wind. Bicycle tire tubes can lose a noticeable amount of air in just a few days. If your bike has not been ridden in months, the tires are most likely severely underinflated. The most important preparation step is to correctly inflate both tires.

Valve differences

Hopefully you already have a tire pump for your bicycle. If not, make note of the particular type of valve on your bicycle tires. There are two types of valves used on bicycle tire tubes, and the two types require different pump connections. A schrader valve is essentially the same as a car tire valve. A presta valve is much narrower, with the inner part of the valve protruding from the threaded outer housing.

Recommended tire pressure

Once you have the correct tire pump, look on the outer wall of each tire where the recommended pressure is shown. Never inflate a tire above the recommended pressure for that particular tire. An overinflated tire can lead to a sudden rupture of the tube. Unless your bike has been parked due to some type of mechanical problem, additional air may be all that is needed.

Final procedures

Visually examine the entire bicycle for any broken cables. Operate the levers for the front and rear brakes to ensure that the brake pads contact both wheels when the brakes are engaged. Lastly, break out any riding attire you have that is suitable for the outside temperature during your ride.

A helmet is essential for safety, but gloves with open fingers reduce road vibration while allowing nimble gear shifting. As you begin to ride on longer journeys, you may even realize the need for a bike with a slightly different frame size. Visit a site like http://www.trekbicyclessarasotafl.com for more information on bike needs.